The International Temples Project
The International Temples Project was founded by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso with the vision to create a Kadampa Buddhist Temple in every major city in the world. Geshe Kelsang is a contemporary Buddhist Master who is responsible for the revival of Kadampa Buddhism in our time, presenting it as a global Dharma that anyone in any country of the world can benefit from.
He founded the New Kadampa Tradition - International Buddhist Union (NKT-IKBU) with the purpose of creating a global infrastructure to support the development of Kadampa Buddhism worldwide for all future generations.
The International Temples Project is at the heart of this global vision. Its aim is to introduce the Buddhist Faith of the New Kadampa Tradition publicly and in particular to exemplify Buddhist practice through public service.
Pure Lands in our troubled world
Kadampa Buddhist Temples take many forms. Some are custom built according to a special design developed by Geshe Kelsang based on traditional Buddhist architecture, such as the Mother Temple at Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Center in England and the Temple in New York, and Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Others are adapted from existing buildings acquired for Kadampa Meditation Centers around the world, such as the Temples in Toronto, Le Mans, Berlin, Zurich, Texas, and Melbourne. Yet others are incorporated within Hotel Kadampas, such as those in Malaga and Tuscany. Many more Temples are planned throughout the world.
Whatever form they take, Kadampa Temples are holy places open to everyone to enjoy. They are Pure Lands in our troubled world – offering doorways to inner peace for all who visit them.
Pure land
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso explains that at first a Temple is a representation of a Pure Land, such as Tushita Heaven where Je Tsongkhapa abides, or the Pure land of Buddha Heruka and Vajrayogini.
Eventually, however, through the force of all the pure practices and sincere prayers performed in it and the blessings of the Holy Beings, the Temple becomes an actual Pure Land.
Blessed statues
Kadampa Temples all house beautiful shrines in which you can see magnificent statues cast in Kadampa Studios. Just seeing these blessed statues places powerful imprints on the mind to experience deep inner peace in the future.
The Temples are open to the public for both private and group visits. Information on local visiting times can be found on each Temple’s website. Visit the Kadampa temples web-site.
A beautiful gift
The International Temples Project is funded entirely by voluntary donations and revenue from International Buddhist Festivals.
Geshe Kelsang Gyatso has described it as “a beautiful gift for future generations.”